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1968
Sony’s first noise-isolating stereo headphones
1979
The first model of the first-generation Walkman personal stereos. Contrary to those inside and outside the company who claimed that "without a recording function, it won't sell," it became a huge success, proposing new lifestyles which became popular around the world.
Included with the first-ever “Walkman” (model TPS-L2). The first model in the “H-AIR” series of compact, lightweight headphones.
1981
Following an unconventional course of development, the design specifications were determined first, with engineers then creating the corresponding product. Much lighter than the first-generation, this new Walkman supported metal tape and featured an anti-rolling mechanism. Emphasizing design and sound quality, the “Walkman II” was immensely popular.
1982
The first in-ear headphones in the trend-setting ‘NUDE’ series.
1983
Product developed based on creating a Walkman roughly the size of a cassette case. This model featured one AA battery, head, pinch roller, and headphone jack arranged in a row, with the cassette placed horizontally alongside this structure. From this point forward, the Walkman was established as a modern necessity, easily carried in a handbag or pocket.
1984
The world's first portable CD player. Approximately the size of four CD cases, the body weighed 590g. Sold at a surprisingly low price (less than 50,000 yen), this device single-handedly accelerated the spread of the CD.
1985
First model in its class to adopt a “gum stick”-like rechargeable battery and accommodated AA batteries as well. This device greatly reduced battery costs and weighed under 200g.
1988
These headphones were the first in the world to adopt a bio-cellulose diaphragm with rigidity comparable to that of aluminum. They were priced at JPY 360,000.
1990
The first ultracompact, lightweight DAT Walkman, small enough to fit in one's palm.
1992
The “Scoopman NT-1,” the world's first digital micro-recorder using ultracompact tapes.
The world's first “MD Walkman” mini-disc recorder. This device had recording, playback, a numeric keypad, anti-skip technology, and a variety of additional useful features.
1995
Sony's first headphones with noise canceling functionality on the market.
1996
Playback-only MD Walkman featured the best of Sony's portable technology. World's smallest and lightest (as of September 1996).
1997
The industry’s first neckband headphones.
1999
The special 15th anniversary edition CD Walkman. Equipped with the ultimate ‘G-Protection’ anti-skip technology, this model represented a shift from conventional ‘sound accumulating’ systems to systems that prevented sound from skipping.
Memory Stick Walkman, supporting Magic Gate copyright protection technology.
2001
The first product to support the NetMD standard for high-speed transfer of music data from PC to Walkman. Powered by a “gum stick” sized rechargeable battery, this device was capable of approximately 28 hours of playback in standard mode.
2003
Marketed simultaneously with "Duo" Memory Stick, this device incorporated 256 MB of flash memory in a compact body. It represented a new style of network Walkman enabling users to enjoy the equivalent of 11 CDs of music.
2004
Network Walkman with 20-GB internal hard memory. This model was capable of approximately 30 hours of continuous long-play sound reproduction. This device incorporated the “G Sensor” (for quickly detecting “gravity acceleration”) coupled with an anti-shock damper to protect valuable data from shock.
The “Hi-MD” Walkman. Backed by high-density recording technology, it was capable of extended sound recording and playback.
2005
Adapts to the individual tastes of each user. The Walkman A series: forging deeper ties between people and music.
2007
New sound entertainment player "Rolly." The product integrates various Sony audio technologies with robot-related technologies for motion control. The palm-sized, oval-shaped unit contains horizontally-opposed stereo speakers, flash memory and battery. This player fits in one's hand to go wherever the user does, enabling them to enjoy Rolly's clear sound and mesmerizing moves anytime, anywhere.
2008
The world’s first digital noise canceling headphones, reducing ambient noise by up to 99%.
2009
X-series WALKMAN delivers unrivaled portable audio/video experience
2011
The industry’s first* digital surround headphone system for reproducing a 3D sound field with a newly added height direction.
* As a digital surround headphone system for consumer use (as investigated by Sony in August, 2011)
